- A growing number of celebrities have evacuated and/or lost their Southern California homes due to the devastating wildfires sweeping the region. “The entire city of Pacific Palisades is burning,” said Jamie Lee Curtis during an appearance on The Tonight Show.
As wildfires rip across Southern California, they are leaving the remains of celebrity homes and significant landmarks in their tracks. Wildfires in Los Angeles have already destroyed about 2,000 homes across tens of thousands of acres, forcing over 130,000 people to evacuate.
Los Angeles public schools and offices will be closed until next week and the NBA has postponed the LA Lakers game versus the Charlotte Hornets. Reports indicate that head coach JJ Redick, a resident of the Pacific Palisades, has also tragically lost his home.
"We're heartbroken for Los Angeles," the Lakers posted in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most."
Due to the Hollywood-centric location of the fires, many celebrities have been affected. The wildfires are sweeping the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where the median home value is nearly $3.5 million, according to Zillow. It's where many Hollywood stars, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods reside. Each of them evacuated their homes just days following the star-studded Golden Globes.
“Trying to shield the kids from the immense sadness and worry I feel,” Moore wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “Praying for everyone in our beautiful city. So gutted for the destruction and loss. Don’t know if our place made it.”
Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, wrote in an Instagram post that he had evacuated Malibu “so last-minute” there were small fires on both sides of the road as he approached the Pacific Coast Highway.
Jamie Lee Curtis became emotional during an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Wednesday night talking about the devastation of the wildfires.
“As you know, where I live is on fire right now. The entire city of Pacific Palisades is burning,” the Freaky Friday star told Fallon. “I flew here last night, I was on the plane, started getting texts, and it’s f---ing gnarly, you guys. It’s just a catastrophe in Southern California.”
Unfortunately, Moore and other celebrities ended up losing their homes in the wildfires. Oscar nominations have been delayed from Jan. 17 until Jan. 19, according to the Associated Press, due to the impact of the wildfires.
The list below is a sampling of celebrities who have lost their L.A. homes and is not exhaustive. Local publications suggest dozens of stars have either lost their homes or been otherwise affected by the wildfires.
Mandy Moore
This Is Us star Moore, who rose to fame in the late 1990s for her debut single “Candy,” said she lost her home in the Altadena neighborhood near Pasadena.
“Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family,” Moore wrote in an Instagram post. “My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too.”
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton was “heartbroken beyond words” to see her Malibu home “burn to the ground on live TV,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe,” Hilton wrote. “The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”
The hotel-chain heiress, who has an estimated net worth of $300 million, also wrote that her media impact team is working to support communities impacted by the wildfires.
Billy Crystal
Actor, comedian, and filmmaker Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, reported they lost their home of 45 years in the Palisades due to the wildfires.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love,” Crystal said in a statement. “Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes, who played Wesley in The Princess Bride, said while he and his family are safe, they lost their home.
“Sadly we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire,” Elwes wrote in an Instagram post. “Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also wish to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it.”
James Woods
The Vampires and Once Upon a Time in America star broke down in tears during a CNN interview recounting how he lost his home and helped rescue an elderly neighbor.
“If you ever saw the views from that house before this fire, they were just… It was paradise. And our neighbors, we knew them all,” Woods said. "One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone."
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
This celebrity couple also reportedly lost their home in the Palisades. Brody is famous for his role in The O.C., and Meester starred in Gossip Girl.
Ricki Lake
TV host and actress Ricki Lake, famous for playing Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, also reported losing her L.A. home.
“[Husband] Ross and I lost our dream home. This description ‘dream home’ doesn’t suffice. It was our heaven on earth,” Lake wrote in an Instagram post. “The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second.”
